Compositions for removable gel applications for nails and methods of their use

ABSTRACT

Novel radiation curable gel-based mammalian nail coating compositions, kits containing these compositions, and methods of their use are disclosed. The novel compositions and/or kits are useful, inter alia, for providing durable, “soak-off” type nail coatings.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.13/452,268, filed Apr. 20, 2012 which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 13/383,348, filed Jan. 10, 2012, issued as U.S.Pat. No. 9,023,326 which is a National Stage entry of InternationalApplication No.: PCT/US2010/42395 filed Jul. 19, 2010, and claimsbenefit of priority thereto under 35 U.S.C. Section 119(a-d), whichclaims benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.61/227,257 filed Jul. 21, 2009, U.S. Provisional Application No.61/260,700 filed Nov. 12, 2009, and U.S. Provisional Application No.61/346,949 filed May 21, 2010, the disclosures of which are each herebyincorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to radiation curable mammalian nailcoating compositions, kits containing these compositions, and methods oftheir use. The present invention also relates to methods for thepreparation of removable gel-based nail coating compositions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Consumers use nail coatings to cosmetically enhance the appearance oftheir nails or protect the nails from the abuses found in their everydayenvironment. However, nail coating compositions typically lack thedurability desired by consumers or are difficult to apply or remove interms of time and/or effort. The lack of durability is often evidencedby a chipping or peeling of the coating soon after the original coatinghas been applied, requiring at least in part a reapplication of thecoating in an attempt to recreate the aesthetic appearance or thetherapeutic benefits of the original nail coating.

Lilley (U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,391,938, 6,803,394 and 6,599,958) discloseslight cured nail coatings that are applied to natural nails and/orartificial nail tips for cosmetic purposes.

Ellingson et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 6,306,375) discloses long wear nailpolish compositions having defined surface properties, as well as kits,films and methods of their use.

Ellingson et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 6,123,931) discloses polyurethane andpolyacryl nail polish compositions useful as coatings for mammaliannails as well as methods of their use.

Ellingson et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 6,136,300) discloses long wear nailpolish compositions having adhesion, toughness and hardnesscharacteristics useful as coatings for mammalian nails as well asmethods of their use.

Smith III et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 6,080,414) discloses films and kitsuseful as polishes for mammalian nails and methods of their use,reportedly having long wear characteristics.

Farer et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 6,656,483) discloses cosmetic compositionscontaining polyurethane for application to the skin and nails.

Farer et al (U.S. Pat. No. 6,156,325) and Carrion et al, (U.S. Pat. No.6,555,096 and related published US Patent Application No. 2002/0102222)disclose nail enamel compositions containing a urea-modified thixotropicagent.

Sirdesai et al. discloses a polymerizable thixotropic oligomericcomposition for sculpting artificial fingernails which is non-yellowing,and which maintains its shape when formed and polymerizes rapidly underactinic radiation.

Traditional nail coatings generally include two varieties: polish type,which cure by solvent evaporation, and polymer type, which cure bychemical reaction. Polymer type materials include, for example,powder/liquid systems and gel systems.

Gel systems, in contrast to the traditional polish and otherpolymer-type systems, particularly ultraviolet-cured gel systems, oftencomprise a gel that may be brushed onto the nails, cured, and shaped tocreate lifelike artificial nails. As compared with traditional polishesor other non-gel polymer-type systems, gel systems are relatively easyto use, are applicable in less time, are lightweight on the nail, haveno odor (or only minimal odor), are durable, and have a high qualityshine.

While thicker nail coatings may in general be more desirable due totheir richer color and/or greater durability of the finished nailcoating, it can be challenging to reasonably rapidly and substantiallycure the entirety of the coating after its application. This isespecially true for thicker and/or more highly pigmented UV-curablegel-based nail coating systems. This may be due, in part, to the natureof these coatings. For example, while UV light may readily penetrate theoutermost regions of the coating composition to initiate the cure, thehigher levels and/or darker hues of certain pigments in some coatingcompositions may limit penetration of the UV radiation into theinnermost regions of the applied gel coating composition and thusincrease the time required to substantially cure the entirety of thecoating.

Often there is also a trade off in the choice of nail coatings between aparticular coating's durability and its ease of removal. For example,some prior art gel coating compositions, while durable, cannot bereadily removed by typical “soak-off” procedures and require a morelaborious removal process. Alternatively, while some prior art gelcoating compositions are very easily removed; those properties may leadto premature chipping and/or peeling of the coating, requiringadditional maintenance or reapplication to stabilize the coating'soverall appearance.

Thus, there is a real need in the art for gel systems that can beformulated to provide durable curable nail coatings, especially thosecapable of being removed relatively easily by ‘soak-off” procedures.There is also a need for gel systems that are capable of being appliedeasily and/or in less time than typically required by prior art gelsystems or polishes. Further, there is a need for gel systems thatprovide such coatings regardless of the required coating color whileproviding a richness of color throughout the nail coating. Such gelcoatings may give a more appealing and defect free appearance. Thepresent invention is directed to these and other important ends.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention is directed, in part, to radiationcurable gel nail coating compositions, comprising:

-   -   from about 40% to about 60% by weight of di-[hydroxyethyl        methacrylic]trimethylhexyl dicarbamate based on the weight of        the nail coating composition;    -   from about 3% to about 5% by weight of at least one methacrylic        acid ester based on the weight of the nail coating composition;    -   from about 3% to about 6% by weight hydroxyethyl methacrylate        based on the weight of the nail coating composition;    -   from about 3% to about 6% by weight hydroxypropyl methacrylate        based on the weight of the nail coating composition    -   from about 0.1% to about 0.4% by weight of a photoinitiator        based on the weight of the nail coating composition; and    -   a pigmented nail lacquer.

In other embodiments, the present invention is directed in part toradiation curable gel nail coating compositions, comprising:

-   -   from about 40% to about 60% by weight of di-[hydroxyethyl        methacrylic]trimethylhexyl dicarbamate based on the weight of        the nail coating composition;    -   from about 3% to about 5% by weight of at least one methacrylic        acid ester based on the weight of the nail coating composition;    -   from about 3% to about 6% by weight hydroxyethyl methacrylate        based on the weight of the nail coating composition;    -   from about 3% to about 6% by weight hydroxypropyl methacrylate        based on the weight of the nail coating composition;    -   from about 0.1% to about 0.4% by weight of a photoinitiator        based on the weight of the nail coating composition; and    -   a nail art paint.

In other embodiments, the present invention is directed in part toradiation curable gel nail coating compositions, comprising:

-   -   from about 40% to about 60% by weight of di-[hydroxyethyl        methacrylic]trimethylhexyl dicarbamate based on the weight of        the nail coating composition;    -   from about 3% to about 6% by weight of a methacrylic acid ester        based on the weight of the nail coating composition;    -   from about 2% to about 6% by weight hydroxyethyl methacrylate        based on the weight of the nail coating composition;    -   from about 2% to about 6% by weight hydroxypropyl methacrylate        based on the weight of the nail coating composition;    -   from about 0.1% to about 1% by weight of a photoinitiator based        on the weight of the nail coating composition; and    -   from about 25 to about 40% by weight of a nail art paint based        on the weight of the nail coating composition.

In certain other embodiments, the present invention is directed to kitssuitable for coating mammalian nails with a radiation curable gel nailcoating composition, comprising:

a radiation curable gel nail coating composition of the presentinvention; and

a bottle designed to substantially exclude the passage of UV light.

In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to methods ofcoating mammalian nails with a UV radiation curable gel nail coatingcomposition, wherein the method comprises:

-   -   applying a nail coating composition according to the present        invention contiguously to a mammalian nail; and    -   radiation-curing the composition on the nail.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As used herein, the term “non-aqueous gel composition” refers to a gelcomposition having no more than a de minimis quantity of water.

As used herein, “alkylene” refers to a saturated straight chain orbranched hydrocarbon diradical having from about 2 to about 15 carbonatoms (and all combinations and subcombinations of ranges and specificnumbers of carbon atoms therein), preferably with from about 4 to about12, more preferably 6 to about 10, yet more preferably about 7 to about9, with about 8 to about 9 carbon atoms being most preferred. Alkylenegroups include, but are not limited to, ethylene, n-propylene,methylethylene, dimethylmethylene, n-butylene, isobutylene,dimethylethylene, methylpropylene, ethylethylene, n-pentylene,isopentylene, neopentylene, trimethylethylene, dimethylpropylene,methylbutylene, ethylpropylene, n-hexylene, isohexylene, neo-hexylene,methylpentylene, dimethylbutylene, and trimethylpropylene,methylethylpropylene, n-heptylene, isoheptylene, neo-heptylene,dimethylpentylene, ethylpentylene, trimethylbutylene,methylethylbutylene, n-octylene, isooctylene, neo-octylene, methylheptylene, dimethylhexylene, trimethylpentylene, methylethylpentylene,n-nonylene, isononylene, neo-nonylene, methyloctylene,dimethylheptylene, trimethylhexylene, methylethylhexylene,trimethylheptylene, methylethylheptylene, n-decylene, isodecylene,neo-decylene, methylnonylene, dimethyloctylene, trimethylheptylene,methylethylheptylene, trimethyloctylene, methylethyloctylene, andtetramethylhexylene.

As used herein, “polyurethane acrylate oligomer” refers to polyurethaneoligomers wherein the acrylate portion of the oligomer is derived fromone or more hydroxyalkylacrylic acid esters or hydroxyalkylmethacrylicacid esters, preferably hydroxyalkylmethacrylic acid esters.Non-limiting examples of hydroxyalkylmethacrylic acid esters includehydroxyethylmethacrylic acid ester and hydroxypropylmethacrylic acidester.

The compositions, kits containing such compositions, and methods of usefor such compositions and/or kits of the present invention are directedin part to meet a need in the industry for colored, preferably highlypigmented, gel-based coating compositions with improved properties ascompared to prior art nail coatings. Thus, in certain embodiments, thepresent invention provides gel-based nail coating compositions that areremovable using typical “soak-off” procedures, i.e., compositions thatmay be broken down and removed with solvents readily available for suchpurpose, including for example, acetone and/or other ketones, shortchain alcohols, such as isopropanol, diacetone alcohol, C₁-C₈ alcohols,and the like, acrylic removers, tip removers, and/or various otheracetate solvents, or any combination thereof.

In certain other embodiments, the compositions of the present inventionmay be cured by any process that may be incorporated into thecomposition which provides a free radical source capable of curing thenail coating compositions, so long as the resultant compositions may besafely employed and applied. This includes for example, anythermochemically or photochemically induced free radical processes aswell as those employing catalysts to initiate the generation of freeradicals and hence the curing of the nail coating composition that areknown to the ordinarily skilled artisan.

In some preferred embodiments, typical compositions of the presentinvention comprise a combination of a gel base and a pigmented lacquer(i.e., nail polish), or the components of each thereof, that isactivated and hardened under ultraviolet (“UV”) light. Alternatively,typical compositions of the present invention comprise a combination ofa gel base and a more heavily pigmented nail art paint, or thecomponents of each thereof, that is activated and hardened underultraviolet (“UV”) light.

Any UV single or multiple light emitting source is contemplated hereinby the inventor. The UV light source is not critical so long as thelight source is a UV spectrum range light emitter and the power of suchsingle or multiple light source is sufficient to activate and/or harden(i.e., cure) the nail coating composition in a desirable time. Typicallights may include UV light bulb sources and/or light emitting diode(“LED”) lights, or any other equivalent light source, or any combinationthereof. Typical lights may include UV light bulb sources and/or lightemitting diode (“LED”) lights, or any other equivalent light source, orany combination thereof.

In other embodiments, the compositions of the present invention may beapplied in analogous fashion to typical prior art polishes, such as bybrush application.

In some embodiments, the compositions of the present invention may beapplied and set or cure the nail gel to final product coating in lesstime, preferably at least about 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, and even up to about50% less than the time required to apply and/or set known nail gels.

Thus, in certain embodiments, compositions, kits containing suchcompositions, and methods of use for such compositions and/or kits ofthe present invention provide nail coatings that have the qualities of anail polish with at least some, and preferably many of the benefits of agel application. Benefits of certain embodiments of the presentinvention may include, but are not limited to easier application of thenail coating compositions, shorter manufacturing mix times of up toabout 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 or even 70% less mixing time than those forknown polishes or gels, and/or faster or easier removal of the curednail coating after use.

Users may further benefit from natural nail enhancement andreinforcement found in certain of the compositions of the presentinvention's embodiments. In some embodiments, the compositions of thepresent invention provide coatings that allow their removal in up toabout 10, 20, 30, 40, or even up to about 50% percent less time thancurrent polishes, gels, or similar products.

In other embodiments, the compositions, kits containing suchcompositions, and or methods employing such compositions and/or kits ofthe present invention provide coatings that may provide a harder and/orless brittle finish, more durability, and/or better nail coverage thanprior art coatings. In some embodiments, complete coverage may beobtained with two applications of the coating.

In other embodiments of the present invention, the compositions and/orkits containing such compositions are provided as a bottle application,and in yet other embodiments of the present invention the compositionsand/or kits containing such compositions are provided as a brushapplication.

The compositions, kits containing such compositions, and methods of usefor such compositions and/or kits of the present invention may offerother further advantages as compared to currently availableultraviolet-cured gel products that are currently available. Forexample, in some embodiments of the present invention, the compositionsare contained in bottles designed to substantially exclude UV light todeter activation of the formula by outside light during storage. Thematerials used to construct bottles designed to hold the nail coatingcompositions of the present invention may inherently exclude such lightin certain embodiments. Alternately, other bottles not possessing thesecharacteristics, including, for example, clear bottles, may be finishedor coated with, for example, one or more special UV-protective coatings,including clear coatings. Either of these bottle alternatives may enablemore of the nail gel to be used by the end user, for example, byreducing the level of inadvertent activation of the gel contained in thebottle prior to its application. In some instances this may allowsubstantially all of the product to be used for its intended purpose. Afurther advantage of providing the compositions in a clear-coated bottleis that the ultimate customer may then have a more ready ability to seeand/or select the desired gel nail coating composition color. This iscontrasted to existing ultraviolet-cured gel products that aretraditionally provided in an opaquely colored white or black jar, whichdenies the customer an ability to see the actual color of the nailcoating composition.

Accordingly, the present invention is directed, in part, to radiationcurable gel nail coating compositions, comprising:

-   -   from about 40% to about 60% by weight of di-[hydroxyethyl        methacrylic]trimethylhexyl dicarbamate based on the weight of        the nail coating composition;    -   from about 3% to about 5% by weight of at least one methacrylic        acid ester based on the weight of the nail coating composition;    -   from about 3% to about 6% by weight hydroxyethyl methacrylate        based on the weight of the nail coating composition;    -   from about 3% to about 6% by weight hydroxypropyl methacrylate        based on the weight of the nail coating composition;    -   from about 0.1% to about 0.4% by weight of a photoinitiator        based on the weight of the nail coating composition; and        -   a pigmented nail lacquer.

In other embodiments, the present invention is directed, in part, toradiation curable gel nail coating compositions, comprising:

-   -   from about 40% to about 60% by weight of di-[hydroxyethyl        methacrylic]trimethylhexyl dicarbamate based on the weight of        the nail coating composition;    -   from about 3% to about 5% by weight of at least one methacrylic        acid ester based on the weight of the nail coating composition;    -   from about 3% to about 6% by weight hydroxyethyl methacrylate        based on the weight of the nail coating composition;    -   from about 3% to about 6% by weight hydroxypropyl methacrylate        based on the weight of the nail coating composition;    -   from about 0.1% to about 0.4% by weight of a photoinitiator        based on the weight of the nail coating composition; and    -   a nail art paint.

In yet other embodiments, the present invention is directed in part toradiation curable gel nail coating compositions, comprising:

-   -   from about 40% to about 60% by weight of di-[hydroxyethyl        methacrylic]trimethylhexyl dicarbamate based on the weight of        the nail coating composition;    -   from about 3% to about 6% by weight of a methacrylic acid ester        based on the weight of the nail coating composition;    -   from about 2% to about 6% by weight hydroxyethyl methacrylate        based on the weight of the nail coating composition;    -   from about 2% to about 6% by weight hydroxypropyl methacrylate        based on the weight of the nail coating composition;    -   from about 0.1% to about 1% by weight of a photoinitiator based        on the weight of the nail coating composition; and    -   from about 25 to about 40% by weight of a nail art paint based        on the weight of the nail coating composition.

In some other preferred embodiments, the radiation curable gel nailcoating compositions of the present invention are substantiallynon-aqueous, and more preferably do not contain more than a de minimisamount of water.

In certain preferred embodiments, the radiation curable gel nail coatingcompositions of the present invention include a polyurethane acrylateoligomer (or International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (“INCI”)designation, “Di-Hema Trimethylhexyl Dicarbamate”). The polyurethaneacrylate oligomer may include monomeric, oligomeric and/or polymericspecies, and any combinations thereof. In certain more preferredembodiments, the polyurethane acrylate oligomer is present at a range offrom about 40% to about 60%, more preferably from about 49% to about55%, and even more preferably at a range of from about 52% to about 53%by weight of the nail coating composition, still more preferably at alevel of about 52.5%. In some alternately preferred embodiments, thepolyurethane acrylate oligomer is present at a range of from about 40%to about 50%, more preferably from about 40% to about 48%, and even morepreferably at a range of from about 40% to about 46% by weight of thenail coating composition. In yet other alternately preferredembodiments, the polyurethane acrylate oligomer is present at a range offrom about 45% to about 55%, more preferably from about 46% to about 52%by weight of the nail coating composition.

In some other embodiments, the polyurethane acrylate oligomer is basedon an alkylene isocyanate derived from an alkylene diamine, saidisocyanate including but not limited to trimethylhexylene diisocyanate.Preferably, the polyurethane acrylate oligomer is derived by reaction ofa hydroxyalkyl ester, preferably hydroxyethyl, more preferably2-hydroxyethylester or hydroxypropylester, preferably3-hydroxypropylester, or combination thereof, of an acrylic acid,preferably methacrylic acid that has been reacted with trimethylhexylenediisocyanate.

In some preferred embodiments, the radiation curable gel nail coatingcompositions of the present invention include an ester of methacrylicacid and an alkanol or cycloalkanol, either having one hydroxyl moietyper alkanol or cycloalkanol molecule, more preferably an isobornylmethacrylate, as a film former in the mixture. The ester is typicallypresent at a range of from about 3% to about 5%, more preferably fromabout 3.5% to about 4.5%, and even more preferably at a level of about4% by weight of the nail coating composition. Alternatively preferred,the methacrylic acid ester, preferably isobornyl methacrylate, ispresent at a range of from about 4% to about 6%, more preferably fromabout 4% to about 5% by weight of the nail coating composition. In stillother preferred embodiments, the methacrylic acid ester, preferablyisobornyl methacrylate, is present at a range of from about 2% to about6%, more preferably from about 2% to about 5%, and even more preferablyat a range of from about 2% to about 4% by weight of the nail coatingcomposition.

In some preferred embodiments, the radiation curable gel nail coatingcompositions of the present invention include one or more esters ofmethacrylic acid and an alkylene diol, more preferably one of theseesters is 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (or INCI designation, “HEMA”) as afilm former in the mixture, which is typically present at a range offrom about 3% to about 6%, more preferably of from about 5% to about 6%,still more preferably of from about 5% to about 5.5%, and even morepreferably present at a level of about 5.25% by weight of the nailcoating composition. In some alternately preferred embodiments, the HEMAis present at a range of from about 2% to about 6%, more preferably fromabout 2% to about 5%, more preferably from about 2% to about 4% byweight of the nail coating composition.

In certain other preferred embodiments, the radiation curable gel nailcoating compositions of the present invention include an ester ofmethacrylic acid and an alkylene diol, which is more preferably ahydroxypropyl methacrylate, still more preferably 3-hydroxypropylmethacrylate, as a film former in the mixture, which is typicallypresent at about 3% to 6%, more preferably from about 5% to about 6%,and even more preferably at a level of about 5% by weight of the nailcoating composition. In some alternately preferred embodiments, thehydroxypropyl methacrylate, preferably 3-hydroxypropyl methacrylate, ispresent at a range of about 2% to 6%, more preferably from about 2% toabout 5%, and even more preferably at a range of from about 2% to about4% by weight of the nail coating composition. In some particularlypreferred embodiments, hydroxypropyl methacrylate, preferably3-hydroxypropyl methacrylate, may be used in combination with2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate.

In other preferred embodiments, the radiation curable gel nail coatingcompositions of the present invention include a hydroxycyclohexyl phenylketone as a binding agent or a photoinitiator in the mixture, which istypically present at a range of from about 0.1% to about 0.4%, stillmore preferably at a range of from about 0.2% to about 0.3%, and evenmore preferably at a level of about 0.25% by weight of the nail coatingcomposition. In some alternately preferred embodiments, the bindingagent or photoinitiator, preferably hydroxycyclohexyl phenyl ketone orbenzophenone or mixture thereof, is present at a range of from about0.1% to about 1%, still more preferably at a range of from about 0.1% toabout 0.9%, still more preferably from about 0.1% to about 0.8%, andeven more preferably at a range of from about 0.2% to about 0.8% byweight by weight of the nail coating composition. In other alternatelypreferred embodiments, the binding agent or photoinitiator, preferablyhydroxycyclohexyl phenyl ketone or benzophenone or mixture thereof, ispresent at a range of from about 0.1% to about 0.2%, still morepreferably at a range of from about 0.1% to about 0.15% by weight of thenail coating composition. In yet other alternately preferredembodiments, the binding agent or photoinitiator, preferablyhydroxycyclohexyl phenyl ketone or benzophenone or mixture thereof, ispresent at a range of from about 0.5% to about 1%, still more preferablyat a range of from about 0.6% to about 0.9%, and even more preferably ata range of from about 0.7% to about 0.8% by weight of the nail coatingcomposition. The preferred level of the binding agent or photoinitiatoris somewhat dependent on the pigments, dyes, and/or colorants color usedin the nail coating compositions. While not wishing to be held to anytheory or theories of operation, it is believed that darker pigments,dyes, and/or colorants used in the nail coating compositions or thosepigments having relatively higher opacity characteristics requirerelatively higher levels of photoinitiator than compositions usinglighter colors or pigments with relatively lower opacity characteristicsto substantially cure the coating in an desirable time frame.

In certain other preferred embodiments, the photoinitiator included inthe compositions of the present invention is other than a phosphinate,phosphine oxide, sulfanyl ketone, sulfonyl azide, polymericmorpholinoketone, alpha amino ketone or iodonium hexafluorophosphatesalt.

In some preferred embodiments, for ease of manufacture, the compositionsare prepared by blending a gel base formulation and a nail art paint orpigmented nail lacquer (nail polish). Nail polishes are readilyavailable for individual (“at home”) use by consumers, while nail artpaints are typically prepared for commercial use rather than retailmarkets. The nail art paint or pigmented nail lacquer typicallycomprises one or more of a solvent, film former, plasticizer,cross-linking agent, colorant, suspending agent, pigment and/or dye, pHadjuster, and stability enhancer. While nail art paint and pigmentednail lacquer contain some of the same materials, the relative ratios ofthe contained materials typically differ. For example nail art paintsare more highly pigmented than their pigmented nail lacquercounterparts. The higher level of pigment could, for example, requiremore suspending agent. Alternatively, the nail art paint pigments mayincrease the overall viscosity of the nail art paint or nail coatingcomposition. In such systems, it may be desirable to increase solventlevels to provide increased flowability to the gel nail coatingcomposition. It may also be desirable to add pigment stabilizing agents,such as polyester copolymers or other pigment stabilizing agents knownto the skilled artisan, when higher pigment levels or less readilydispersible pigments are used in the nail art paints or nail coatingcompositions of the present invention to assist in providing uniformfinal product. Thus, in some preferred embodiments, the nail art paintsor nail coating compositions containing such nail art paints furthercomprise polyester copolymers, such as those derived from diols,preferably branched alkylene diols, for example, neopentyl glycol, andalkane diacids, such as adipic acid, alkane polyacids, or alkane or arylacid anhydrides, such as trimellitic anhydride.

The gel base formulation typically comprises a polyurethane acrylateoligomer, photoinitiator, and one or more esters based on methacrylicacid as disclosed herein.

In certain preferred embodiments of the nail coating compositions of thepresent invention the nail art paint comprises from about 3% to 5.5% byweight of a film former based on the weight of the nail coatingcomposition. In other preferred embodiments, the nail art paintcomprises up to about 0.3% by weight trimethylolpropane trimethacrylatebased on the weight of the nail coating composition. In still otherpreferred embodiments, the nail art paint comprises from about 20% toabout 40%, more preferably 20% to about 35% by weight of a solventselected from a ketone, ester, alcohol or mixture thereof based on theweight of the nail coating composition. In yet other preferredembodiments, the nail art paint comprises from about 1% to about 2% byweight of a plasticizer based on the weight of the nail coatingcomposition. In some other preferred embodiments, the nail art paintcomprises up to about 2% by weight of pigment based on the weight of thenail coating composition.

In certain preferred embodiments of the nail coating compositions of thepresent invention the nail art paint comprises:

-   -   from about 3% to 5.5% by weight of a film former based on the        weight of the nail coating composition;    -   up to about 0.3% by weight trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate        based on the weight of the nail coating composition;    -   from about 20% to about 40% by weight of a solvent selected from        a ketone, ester, alcohol or mixture thereof based on the weight        of the nail coating composition;    -   from about 1% to about 2% by weight of a plasticizer based on        the weight of the nail coating composition; and

up to about 2% by weight of pigment based on the weight of the nailcoating composition.

In certain preferred embodiments, the compositions of the presentinvention further comprise one or more additives known to the skilledartisan for use in the manufacture of nail polishes and/or nailcoatings. Non-limiting examples of such additives include one or moresolvents, film formers, plasticizers, cross-linking agents, colorants,suspending agents, pigments and/or dyes, pH adjusters, and stabilityenhancers.

In some other preferred embodiments, the radiation curable gel nailcoating compositions of the present invention include a solvent. Thechoice of solvent is not critical, so long as the solvent does notsubstantially interfere with the irradiation and/or set or curing of thecoating. The solvent may comprise a single component or may be a mixtureof solvents. Typically the solvent is substantially non-aqueous.Preferably, the solvent is non-aqueous. In certain preferredembodiments, the solvent or solvents are cosmetically acceptable. By wayof example, the solvents may include compounds such as esters, ketones,alcohols, alkanes, aromatics, and amides, preferably esters, ketones,and/or alcohols. In certain more preferred embodiments, the solvent isselected from butyl acetate, ethyl acetate, propyl acetate, ethanol,isopropyl alcohol, butyl alcohol, amyl acetate, acetone, and diacetonealcohol, or mixtures thereof. The combined weight percentage of solventor solvents in the nail coating compositions are such that the solventis typically present at a range of from about 15% to about 40%,preferably from about 18% to about 40%, more preferably about 20% toabout 38%, still more preferably of from about 24% to about 38% byweight of the nail coating composition.

In certain other preferred embodiments, the radiation curable gel nailcoating compositions of the present invention include a butyl acetatesolvent (for example, n-butyl, isobutyl, or secondary butyl acetate orany combination thereof), preferably butyl acetate having INCIdesignation, “49”. The butyl acetate solvent is typically present at arange of from about 5% to about 15%, preferably from about 9% to about13%, more preferably about 11% to about 12%, still more preferably fromabout 11.5% to about 12%, and even more preferably at a level of about11.75% by weight of the nail coating composition. In some alternatelypreferred embodiments, the butyl acetate is present at a range of fromabout 9% to about 20%, more preferably from about 11% to about 18%, andeven more preferably at a range of from about 12% to about 17% by weightof the nail coating composition.

In certain other preferred embodiments, the radiation curable gel nailcoating compositions of the present invention include a propyl acetatesolvent (for example, n-propyl or isopropyl acetate or any combinationthereof), preferably n-propyl acetate. The propyl acetate solvent istypically present at a range of from about 0.2% to about 1%, preferablyfrom about 0.4% to about 0.8% by weight of the nail coating composition.

In other preferred embodiments, radiation curable gel nail coatingcompositions of the present invention include ethyl acetate as a solventin the mixture, which is typically present at a range of from about 8%to about 12%, and even more preferably from about 10% to 11%, still morepreferably from about 10% to about 10.5%, with a level of about 10.25%by weight of the nail coating composition being even more preferred. Insome alternately preferred embodiments, the ethyl acetate is present ata range of from about 9% to about 15%, more preferably from about 10% toabout 14%, and even more preferably from about 10% to about 13% byweight of the nail coating composition.

In certain preferred embodiments, the radiation curable gel nail coatingcompositions of the present invention include ethanol, preferably SDalcohol 40-B, a grade of specifically denatured ethanol, as a solvent inthe mixture. The ethanol solvent is typically present at a range fromabout 1% to about 4%, preferably from about 2% to about 4%, morepreferably from about 2% to 3.75%, still more preferably from about 3%to about 3.5%, and even more preferably at a level of about 3.17% byweight of the nail coating composition. In some alternately preferredembodiments, the SD alcohol is present at a range of from about 2% toabout 5%, preferably from about 3% to about 4% by weight of the nailcoating composition.

In certain preferred embodiments, the radiation curable gel nail coatingcompositions of the present invention include butyl alcohol, includingn-butyl, isobutyl, and/or sec-butyl alcohol and mixtures thereof,preferably n-butyl alcohol, as a solvent in the mixture. The butylalcohol solvent is typically present at a range from about 1% to about6%, preferably from about 2% to about 5%, more preferably from about 2%to about 4% by weight of the nail coating composition.

In certain other preferred embodiments, the radiation curable gel nailcoating compositions of the present invention include isopropyl alcoholas a solvent in the mixture, which is typically present at a range offrom about 0.5% to about 1.5%, and even more preferably present at alevel of about 1% by weight of the nail coating composition. In otheralternately preferred embodiments, the isopropyl alcohol is present at arange of from about 0.5% to about 2%, preferably from about 1% to about2% by weight of the nail coating composition.

In some preferred embodiments, radiation curable gel nail coatingcompositions of the present invention include an amyl acetate solvent,such as amyl or isoamyl acetate or combination thereof, which istypically present at a range of from about 0.5% to about 1%, preferablyfrom about 0.6% to about 0.7%, and even more preferably present at alevel of about 0.65% by weight of the nail coating composition. In somealternately preferred embodiments, the amyl acetate is present at arange of from about 0.6% to about 0.9%, preferably from about 0.6% toabout 0.8% by weight of the nail coating composition.

In certain other preferred embodiments, radiation curable gel nailcoating compositions of the present invention include acetone or otherketone, preferably acetone, as a solvent in the mixture. The ketonesolvent is typically present at a range of from about 0.4% to about0.5%, and even more preferably present at a level of from about 0.43% toabout 0.45% by weight of the nail coating composition. In otheralternately preferred embodiments, the ketone solvent is present at alevel of from about 0.5% to about 1%, preferably from about 0.5% toabout 0.75% by weight of the nail coating composition.

In certain preferred embodiments, the radiation curable gel nail coatingcompositions of the present invention include diacetone alcohol as asolvent in the mixture, which is typically present at a range of fromabout 0.06% to about 0.1%, and even more preferably present at a levelof about 0.08% by weight of the nail coating composition. In certainalternately preferred embodiments, diacetone alcohol is present at arange of from about 0.08% to about 0.1% by weight of the nail coatingcomposition.

In certain other preferred embodiments, the radiation curable gel nailcoating compositions of the present invention include a nitrocelluloseas a film former in the mixture. Nitrocellulose is typically present ata range of from about 3% to 5.5%, more preferably from about 4% to about5%, still more preferably from about 4% to about 4.5%, and even morepreferably at a level of about 4.21% by weight of the nail coatingcomposition. In other alternately preferred embodiments, thenitrocellulose is present at a range of about 3% to 7%, more preferablyfrom about 3% to about 6% by weight of the nail coating composition.

Alternately, the radiation curable gel nail coating compositions of thepresent invention may comprise other conventional film formers such ascellulose acetate, cellulose acetate butyrate, and ethyl cellulose;polyesters; resins, such as polyurethane resins, alkyd resins, andpolyvinyl resins such as polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl chloride,polyvinylbutyrate; (meth)acrylic and vinyl copolymers such asstyrene/butadiene copolymers, acrylate/vinyl acetate copolymers,acrylonitrile/butadiene copolymers, and ethylene/vinyl acetatecopolymers.

In certain other preferred embodiments, the radiation curable gel nailcoating compositions of the present invention include a dimethicone as afilm former in the mixture, which is typically present at a range offrom about 0.005% to about 0.02%, more preferably from about 0.005% toabout 0.01%, and even more preferably at a level of about 0.0075% byweight of the nail coating composition. In some alternately preferredembodiments, the dimethicone is present at a range of from about 0.007%to about 0.01% by weight of the nail coating composition.

In certain preferred embodiments the radiation curable gel nail coatingcompositions of the present invention include at least one plasticizer.Plasticizers useful in the presently claimed nail enamel compositioninclude plasticizers commonly employed in nail varnish compositions.These plasticizers encompass, but are not limited to, dibutyl phthalate,dioctyl phthalate, tricresyl phthalate, butyl phthalate, dibutoxy ethylphthalate, diamylphthalate, tosyl amide, N-ethyl-tosyl amide, sucroseacetate isobutyrate, camphor, castor oil, citrate esters, glyceryldiesters, glyceryl triesters, tributyl phosphate, triphenyl phosphate,butyl glycolate, benzyl benzoate, butyl acetyl ricinoleate, butylstearate, trimethylpentanyl diisobutyrate and dibutyl tartrate.

In some other preferred embodiments, the radiation curable gel nailcoating compositions of the present invention include a sucrose acetateisobutyrate as a plasticizer in the mixture, and is typically present ata range of from about 0.2% to about 1%, preferably from about 0.4% toabout 0.5%, and even more preferably at a level of about 0.45% by weightof the nail coating composition. Alternately preferred in someembodiments, the sucrose acetate isobutyrate is present at a range offrom about 0.45% to about 0.75%, more preferably at a level of fromabout 0.5% to about 0.75% by weight of the nail coating composition.

In certain preferred embodiments, the radiation curable gel nail coatingcompositions of the present invention include an alkyl tosylamide,preferably ethyl tosylamide, as a plasticizer in the mixture, and istypically present at a range of from about 0.4% to 0.5%, and even morepreferably at a level of about 0.45% by weight of the nail coatingcomposition. In some alternately preferred embodiments, the alkyltosylamide is present at a range of from about 0.41% to 0.75%, morepreferably from about 0.45% to 0.75%, and even more preferably fromabout 0.5% to about 0.6% by weight of the nail coating composition.

In some preferred embodiments, the radiation curable gel nail coatingcompositions of the present invention include camphor as a plasticizerin the mixture. Camphor is typically present at a range of from about0.25% to about 0.35%, and even more preferably at a level of about 0.28%by weight of the nail coating composition. In some alternately preferredembodiments, the camphor is present at a range of from about 0.2% toabout 0.5%, more preferably from about 0.2% to about 0.4% by weight ofthe nail coating composition.

In some other preferred embodiments, the radiation curable gel nailcoating compositions of the present invention include trimethylpentanyldiisobutyrate as a plasticizer in the mixture, and is typically presentat a range of from about 0.2% to about 1%, preferably from about 0.3% toabout 0.9%, and even more preferably at a level of from about 0.4% toabout 0.8% by weight of the nail coating composition.

In certain other preferred embodiments, the radiation curable gel nailcoating compositions of the present invention include triphenylphosphate as a plasticizer in the mixture, and is typically present at arange of from about 0.2% to about 1%, preferably from about 0.3% toabout 0.9%, and even more preferably at a level of from about 0.4% toabout 0.8% by weight of the nail coating composition.

In some preferred embodiments, the radiation curable gel nail coatingcompositions of the present invention include one or more cross-linkingagents. Typically, these cross-linking agents are esters of apolyhydroxy compound and methacrylic acid, wherein a substantial numberof the hydroxy groups of the polyhydroxy compound, and preferably eachof the hydroxy groups, have been esterified with methacrylic acid. Thepolyhydroxy compounds preferably have 3 or more hydroxy groups permolecule, more preferably 3 or 4 hydroxy groups, still more preferably 3hydroxy groups per molecule of polyhydroxy compound. In certain yet morepreferred embodiments, the cross-linking agent is trimethylolpropanetrimethacrylate (“TMPTA”). The cross-linking agent is typically presentat a range of from about 0.15% to about 0.35%, more preferably fromabout 0.2% to about 0.3%, still more preferably from about 0.25% toabout 0.29%, and even more preferably at a level of about 0.29% byweight of the nail coating composition. In some alternately preferredembodiments, the cross-linking agent is present at a level of from about0.2% to about 0.5%, preferably from about 0.2% to about 0.4% by weightof the nail coating composition.

In still other preferred embodiments, the radiation curable gel nailcoating compositions of the present invention include a colorant,preferably D&C Violet #2. The D&C Violet #2 is typically present at arange of from about 0.1% to about 0.4%, and even more preferably at alevel of about 0.15% by weight of the nail coating composition. In otheralternately preferred embodiments, the D&C Violet #2 is present at arange of from about 0.1% to about 0.3%, more preferably from about 0.1%to about 0.2% by weight of the nail coating composition. In certainpreferred embodiments, the D&C Violet #2 is contained in the gel basecomponent of the nail coating compositions.

In yet other preferred embodiments, radiation curable gel nail coatingcompositions of the present invention include a suspending agent in themixture, preferably stearalkonium hectorite. The suspending agent istypically present at a range of from about 0.03% to about 0.07%, andeven more preferably at a level of about 0.05% by weight of the nailcoating composition. In other alternately preferred embodiments, thesuspending agent, preferably stearalkonium hectorite, is present at arange of from about 0.05% to about 0.07% by weight of the nail coatingcomposition.

In some preferred embodiments, the radiation curable gel nail coatingcompositions of the present invention include one or more pigments ordyes that may vary in color that may function as colorants in themixture, and which may be present at a range of from about 0.01% toabout 0.05%, preferably from about 0.03 to about 0.04%, and even morepreferably at a level of about 0.035% by weight of the nail coatingcomposition. Typically, these pigments are present in the nail lacqueror nail art paint component of the compositions of the presentinvention. In certain other alternately preferred embodiments, the oneor more pigments or dyes may be present at a range of from about 0.01%to about 2%, still more preferably at a range of from about 0.1% toabout 2%, and even more preferably at a range of from about 0.5% toabout 2% by weight of the nail coating composition. Non-limitingexamples of pigments useful in the compositions of the present inventioninclude Titanium Dioxide, Black Iron Oxide, D&C Black #2, FD&C Red #4,D&C Red #6, D&C Red #7, D&C Red #17, D&C Red #21, D&C Red #22, D&C Red#27, D&C Red #28, D&C Red #30, D&C Red #31, D&C Red #33, D&C Red #34,D&C Red #36, D&C Red #40, FD&C Blue #1, D&C Orange #4, D&C Orange #5,D&C Orange #10, D&C Orange #11, D&C Blue #4, D&C Brown #1, FD&C Green#3, D&C Green #5, D&C Green #6, D&C Green #8, FD&C Yellow #5, FD&CYellow #6, D&C Yellow #7, D&C Yellow #8, D&C Yellow #10, and D&C Yellow#11 and combinations thereof. In certain preferred embodiments, thepigments are contained in the pigmented lacquer or nail art paintcomponent of the nail coating compositions.

In other preferred embodiments, the radiation curable gel nail coatingcompositions of the present invention include a pH adjuster in themixture, preferably phosphoric acid, which is typically present at arange of from about 0.02% to about 0.04%, and even more preferablypresent at a level of about 0.03% by weight of the nail coatingcomposition. Alternately preferred, the pH adjuster is present at arange of from about 0.03% to about 0.04% by weight of the nail coatingcomposition.

In certain preferred embodiments, the radiation curable gel nail coatingcompositions of the present invention include a stability enhancer,preferably citric acid, which is typically present at a range of fromabout 0.005% to about 0.02%, more preferably at a range of from about0.005% to about 0.01%, and even more preferably at a level of about0.0075% by weight of the nail coating composition. In some alternatelypreferred embodiments, the citric acid is present at a range of fromabout 0.0075% to about 0.01% by weight of the nail coating composition.

In other preferred embodiments, the radiation curable gel nail coatingcompositions of the present invention further comprise less than about1% by weight of urethane resin bisphenol A diglycidyl methacrylate(“BISGMA”, in polymeric, oligomeric and/or monomeric form); morepreferably less than about 0.5% of based on the weight of the nailcoating composition. In certain other more preferred embodiments, theradiation curable gel nail coating compositions of the present inventiondo not contain BISGMA urethane resin. The BISGMA based urethane resin isreportedly prepared by reacting the hydroxyl functions of BISGMA with ahydrocarbon diisocyanate. (BISGMA can be purchased from Esstech, and issold as Nupol 46-4005 from Cook Composites and Polymers.). See Lilley etal., U.S. Pat. No. 6,803,394, the disclosure of which is herebyincorporated herein by reference, in its entirety.

In certain preferred embodiments, the radiation curable gel nail coatingcompositions of the present invention is capable of being directlyapplied to a nail (natural nail or synthetic nail or nail extension.That is, some of the compositions may be applied without the need tofirst apply a solvent evaporation basecoat to the nail.

In still other preferred embodiments, the radiation curable gel nailcoating compositions of the present invention further comprise one ormore additives, wherein the additive(s) are other than maleimidefunctional materials, such as for example, hydroxy ethylmaleimide,triethylene glycol biscarbonate bisethylmaleimide, 2-isopropyl urethaneethylmaleimide, 2-acryloyl ethylmaleimide, acetoxy ethyl maleimide,isophorone bisurethane bisethylmaleimide,N,N′-hexamethylenebismaleimide, and/orN,N′-(2,2,4-trimethylhexamethylene)-bismaleimide.

In some particularly preferred embodiments, the nail coatingcompositions have the following formulations, Formulation 1, 2, 3 or 4:

Formulation 1 Ingredients Wt. % range Di-Hema Trimethylhexyl Dicarbamate49.00-55.00 Butyl Acetate  9.00-13.00 Ethyl Acetate  8.00-12.00Isobornyl Methacrylate 4.00-6.00 HEMA 3.00-6.00 HydroxypropylMethacrylate 3.00-6.00 Nitrocellulose 3.00-5.50 SD Alcohol 40-B2.00-3.75 Isopropyl Alcohol  .50-1.50 Amyl Acetate .60-.70 SucroseAcetate Isobutyrate .40-.50 Ethyl Tosylamide .40-.50 Acetone .40-.50Camphor .25-.35 Trimethylpropane Trimethacrylate .22-.29 Violet 2/CI60725 <0.4  Hydroxycyclohexyl phenyl ketone <0.3  Diacetone Alcohol.06-.10 Stearalkonium Hectorite .03-.07 Pigment(s) or Dye(s) .01-2.0Phosphoric Acid .02-.04 Citric Acid <.02 Dimethicone <.02

Formulation 2 Ingredients Wt. % range Di-Hema Trimethylhexyl Dicarbamate44.00-55.00 Butyl Acetate  9.00-17.00 Ethyl Acetate  8.00-13.00Isobornyl Methacrylate 3.00-6.00 HEMA 2.00-6.00 HydroxypropylMethacrylate 2.00-6.00 Nitrocellulose 3.00-5.75 SD Alcohol 40-B2.00-4.00 Isopropyl Alcohol  .50-1.75 Amyl Acetate .60-.85 SucroseAcetate Isobutyrate .40-.75 Ethyl Tosylamide .40-.75 Acetone .40-.75Camphor .25-.40 Trimethylpropane Trimethacrylate .22-.40 Violet 2/CI60725 <0.4  Hydroxycyclohexyl phenyl ketone <1.0  Diacetone Alcohol.06-.10 Stearalkonium Hectorite .03-.07 Pigment(s) or Dye(s) .01-2.0Phosphoric Acid .02-.04 Citric Acid <.02 Dimethicone <.02

Formulation 3 Ingredients Wt. % range Polyurethane Acrylate Oligomer49.00-55.00 Butyl Acetate  9.00-13.00 Ethyl Acetate  8.00-12.002-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate 3.00-6.00 Hydroxypropyl Methacrylate3.00-6.00 Nitrocellulose 3.00-5.50 Isobornyl Methacrylate 3.00-5.00 SDAlcohol 40-B 2.00-3.75 Isopropyl Alcohol  .50-1.50 Amyl Acetate .60-.70Sucrose Acetate Isobutyrate .40-.50 Ethyl Tosylamide .40-.50 Acetone.40-.50 Camphor .25-.35 Hydroxycyclohexyl phenyl ketone <0.4  D&C Violet#2 <0.4  Diacetone Alcohol .06-.10 Stearalkonium Hectorite .03-.07Pigment(s) or Dye(s .01-.05 Phosphoric Acid .02-.04 Citric Acid <.02Dimethicone <.02

Formulation 4 Ingredients Wt. % range Polyurethane Acrylate Oligomer40-48 Butyl Acetate 11-18 Ethyl Acetate 10-14 2-HydroxyethylMethacrylate 2-4 Hydroxypropyl Methacrylate 2-4 Nitrocellulose 3-6Polymeric Nail Art Paint Stabilizer 2-4 Isobornyl Methacrylate 2-5 ButylAlcohol 2-5 Isopropyl Alcohol 1-2 Trimethylpenanyl Diisobutyrate 0.2-1 Triphenyl phosphate .02-1  Propyl Acetate 0.4-0.8 Hydroxycyclohexylphenyl ketone/ 0.2-1  Benzophenone D&C Violet #2 0.1-0.4 DiacetoneAlcohol 0.06-.10  Stearalkonium Hectorite 0.03-0.07 Pigment(s) or Dye(s.01-2  Phosphoric Acid .02-.04 Citric Acid <.02 Dimethicone <.02

The compositions according to the invention may also include one or moreadditives recognized by a person skilled in the art as being capable ofincorporation into such nail coating compositions. For example, thecomposition may include at least one cosmetically active compound, whichmay be selected from vitamins, minerals, moisturizers, hardening agentssuch as silica and formaldehyde/glyoxal, UV absorbers, and fibers suchas nylon or aramide fibers. Additional additive ingredients may includekeratin and its derivatives, melanin, collagen, cysteine, chitosan andits derivatives, ceramides, biotin, oligoelements, protein hydrolysates,and phospholipids.

A person skilled in the art can, without undue experimentation, selectthose optional additional compounds and/or their quantity, so that theadvantageous properties of the composition according to the inventionare not, or are not substantially, impaired by the inclusion of suchadditives.

The compositions according to the invention may be prepared by a personskilled in the art on the basis of his or her general knowledge andaccording to the state of the art.

The compositions according to the invention are also useful in the kitsand or methods of use of the present invention.

The invention will be further clarified by the following examples, whichare intended to be illustrative of the invention, but not limitingthereof.

Typical Method of Blending a Nail Polish and a Gel Base

While all of the components of the pigmented lacquer and gel may beindividually formulated into a final product, it is preferable in someembodiments to blend a previously prepared pigmented lacquer (i.e., nailpolish) with a gel formulation. By way of general guidance, the gelformulation and lacquer are blended together using any stirring ormixing equipment capable of providing general mixing for a time andunder conditions to adequately blend the lacquer and gel formulation.Typically a time of 0.5 to 3 hours is sufficient, preferably from about0.5 to about 1 hour, more preferably 30 to 50 minutes. As a general rulethe mixture can be heated to any temperature that facilitates theblending operation while maintaining the stability of the components,lacquers or formulations. For example, the combination of components maybe heated to about 30 to about 150 degrees Fahrenheit, more preferablyabout 50 to about 130 degrees Fahrenheit, still more preferably formabout 80 to about 110 degrees Fahrenheit. While the preferred ratio oflacquer to gel in the compositions does depend to some extent upon thelacquer chosen, the ratio typically falls within the range of about 35to 45 volume parts, more preferably about 39 to 41 parts of lacquer toabout 100 parts of gel formulation.

In similar manner to the pigmented lacquers, nail art paints may beblended with gel bases as disclosed hereinabove to provide certain ofthe final product gel coating compositions. While the preferred ratio ofnail art paint to gel in the compositions does depend to some extentupon the nail art paint chosen, the ratio typically falls within therange of from about 40% to about 60% by weight parts, more preferablyabout 45% to about 55% by weight of the gel base component (i.e.,component including polyurethane acrylate oligomer, methacrylate ester,any monoesters of methacrylic acid and a diol, and photoinitiator) basedon the weight of the final nail coating composition.

Example 1 Hypothetical Procedure for Blending Pigmented Lacquer and GelBase

A previously prepared pigmented lacquer (such as a commerciallyavailable nail polish) is blended with a gel formulation of the presentinvention (typical gel formulation shown below) in a ratio of 40 partsby volume of lacquer to 100 parts by volume of gel formulation, Theblend is heated to approximately 110 degrees F. The mixture is slowlystirred for approximately 40 minutes, and allowed to cool forapproximately 2 hours. Once cooled, the mixture is preferably depositedinto UV coated bottles.

Example 2 Hypothetical Procedure for Blending Nail Art Paint and GelBase

A previously prepared nail art paint [butyl acetate (16.5 parts), ethylacetate (13 parts), nitrocellulose (5.75 parts), butyl alcohol (4parts), polymeric nail art paint stabilizer (3 parts), isopropyl alcohol(1.75 parts), trimethylpentanyl diisobutyrate (0.75 parts), triphenylphosphate (0.75 parts), propyl acetate (0.75 parts), diacetone alcohol(0.1 parts), stearalkonium hectorite (0.07 parts), titaniumdioxide/black iron oxide (0.09 parts), phosphoric acid (0.04 parts),citric acid (0.01 parts), dimethicone (0.01 parts), benzophenone (0.01parts), and D&C Yellow #11 (0.07 parts)] is blended with a gelformulation of the present invention [(Di-Hema TrimethylhexylDicarbamate oligomer (44.5 parts by weight), Isobornyl Methacrylate(3.25 parts by weight), HEMA (2.5 parts by weight), HydroxypropylMethacrylate (2.25 parts by weight), Violet 2/CI-60725 (0.1 parts byweight), Hydroxycyclohexyl phenyl ketone/benzophenone (0.75 parts byweight)]. The blend is heated to approximately 110 degrees F. Themixture is slowly stirred for approximately 40 minutes, and allowed tocool for approximately 2 hours. Once cooled, the mixture is preferablydeposited into UV coated bottles.

When any variable occurs more than one time in any formula, itsdefinition in each occurrence is independent of its definition at everyother occurrence. Combinations of variables are permissible only if suchcombinations result in stable formulations.

It is believed the chemical formulas and names used herein correctly andaccurately reflect the underlying chemical compounds. However, thenature and value of the present invention does not depend upon thetheoretical correctness of these formulae, in whole or in part. Thus itis understood that the formulas used herein, as well as the chemicalnames attributed to the correspondingly indicated compounds, are notintended to limit the invention in any way.

When ranges are used herein for physical properties, elements orvariables in formula compositions, percent composition of elements orvariables in formulas, all combinations and subcombinations of rangesand specific embodiments therein are intended to be included. Unlessotherwise indicated, % ranges for components are expressed on a volumeper total volume basis. For example, if ethyl acetate is used as asolvent at 10%, then the ethyl acetate volume added is equal to 10% ofthe total volume of the blended product formulation.

The disclosures of each patent, patent application and publication citedor described in this document are hereby incorporated herein byreference, in their entirety.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous changes andmodifications can be made to the preferred embodiments of the inventionand that such changes and modifications can be made without departingfrom the spirit of the invention. It is, therefore, intended that theappended claims cover all such equivalent variations as fall within thetrue spirit and scope of the invention.

Embodiment 1

A radiation curable gel nail coating composition, comprising:

-   -   from about 40% to about 60% by weight of di-[hydroxyethyl        methacrylic]trimethylhexyl dicarbamate based on the weight of        the nail coating composition;    -   from about 3% to about 5% by weight by weight of at least one        methacrylic acid ester based on the weight of the nail coating        composition;    -   from about 3% to about 6% by weight hydroxyethyl methacrylate        based on the weight of the nail coating composition;    -   from about 3% to about 6% by weight hydroxypropyl methacrylate        based on the weight of the nail coating composition;    -   from about 0.1% to about 0.4% by weight of a photoinitiator        based on the weight of the nail coating composition; and

a pigmented nail lacquer.

Embodiment 2

A radiation curable gel nail coating composition, comprising:

-   -   from about 40% to about 60% by weight of di-[hydroxyethyl        methacrylic]trimethylhexyl dicarbamate based on the weight of        the nail coating composition;    -   from about 3% to about 6% by weight of at least one methacrylic        acid ester based on the weight of the nail coating composition;    -   from about 2% to about 6% by weight hydroxyethyl methacrylate        based on the weight of the nail coating composition;    -   from about 2% to about 6% by weight hydroxypropyl methacrylate        based on the weight of the nail coating composition;    -   from about 0.1% to about 0.4% by weight of a photoinitiator        based on the weight of the nail coating composition; and    -   a nail art paint.

Embodiment 3

A radiation curable gel nail coating composition, comprising:

-   -   from about 40% to about 60% by weight of di-[hydroxyethyl        methacrylic]trimethylhexyl dicarbamate based on the weight of        the nail coating composition;    -   from about 3% to about 6% by weight of a methacrylic acid ester        based on the weight of the nail coating composition;    -   from about 2% to about 6% by weight hydroxyethyl methacrylate        based on the weight of the nail coating composition;    -   from about 2% to about 6% by weight hydroxypropyl methacrylate        based on the weight of the nail coating composition;    -   from about 0.1% to about 1% by weight of a photoinitiator based        on the weight of the nail coating composition; and    -   from about 25% to about 40% by weight of a nail art paint based        on the weight of the nail coating composition.

Embodiment 4

A radiation curable gel nail coating composition according to embodiment3, wherein:

the hydroxyethyl methacrylate is present at a level of from about 2.5%to about 4% by weight based on the weight of the nail coatingcomposition; and

-   -   the hydroxypropyl methacrylate is present at a level of from        about 2.25% to about 5% by weight based on the weight of the        nail coating composition.

Embodiment 5

A radiation curable gel nail coating composition according to any one ofembodiments 2, 3, and 4, wherein the photoinitiator is present at alevel of from about 0.5% to about 1% by weight based on the weight ofthe nail coating composition.

Embodiment 6

A radiation curable gel nail coating composition according to any one ofembodiments 2, 3, 4, and 5, wherein the nail art paint comprises:

-   -   from about 3% to 6% by weight of a film former based on the        weight of the nail coating composition;    -   up to about 0.4% by weight trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate        based on the weight of the nail coating composition;    -   from about 20% to about 38% by weight of a solvent selected from        a ketone, ester, alcohol or mixture thereof based on the weight        of the nail coating composition;    -   from about 1% to about 2% by weight of a plasticizer based on        the weight of the nail coating composition; and

up to about 2% by weight of pigment based on the weight of the nailcoating composition.

Embodiment 7

A radiation curable gel nail coating composition according to any one ofembodiments 1 to 6, wherein the film former is selected fromnitrocellulose and dimethicone, or a mixture thereof.

Embodiment 8

A radiation curable gel nail coating composition according to any one ofembodiments 1 to 7, wherein the solvent is selected from isopropylalcohol, ethanol, diacetone alcohol, ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, amylacetate, acetone, or a mixture thereof.

Embodiment 9

A radiation curable gel nail coating composition according to any one ofembodiments 1 to 8, wherein the plasticizer is selected from sucroseacetate isobutyrate, ethyl tosylamide, and camphor, or a mixturethereof.

Embodiment 10

A radiation curable gel nail coating composition according to any one ofembodiments 1 to 9, wherein the photoinitiator is hydroxycyclohexylphenyl ketone.

Embodiment 11

A radiation curable gel nail coating composition according to any one ofembodiments 1 to 10, wherein the methacrylic acid ester is isobornylmethacrylate.

Embodiment 12

A radiation curable gel nail coating composition according to any one ofembodiments 1 to 11, wherein the di-[hydroxyethylmethacrylic]trimethylhexyl dicarbamate is present at from about 44% toabout 52% by weight of the nail coating composition.

Embodiment 13

A radiation curable gel nail coating composition according to any one ofembodiments 1 to 12, wherein the composition is capable of being curedby UV irradiation.

Embodiment 14

A kit suitable for coating mammalian nails with a radiation curable gelnail coating composition, comprising:

a radiation curable gel nail coating composition according to any one ofembodiments 1 to 13; and

a bottle designed to substantially exclude the passage of UV light.

Embodiment 15

A kit according to embodiment 14, wherein the bottle comprises clearglass coated with a finish to substantially exclude UV lighttransmission through the glass.

Embodiment 16

A kit according to any one of embodiments 14 and 15, further comprisinga brush for applying the radiation curable gel nail coating composition.

Embodiment 17

A method of coating mammalian nails with a radiation curable gel nailcoating composition, wherein the method comprises:

-   -   applying a nail coating composition according to any one of        embodiments 1 to 13 to a mammalian nail; and    -   radiation curing the composition on the nail.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of preparing radiation curable gel nailcoating compositions comprising: blending a nail art paint with aradiation curable nail gel base formulation for a time and underconditions effective to prepare the radiation curable gel nail coatingcomposition; said nail art paint comprising one or more of a solvent,film former, plasticizer, cross-linking agent, colorant, suspendingagent, pigment or dye, pH adjuster, and stability enhancer; and saidradiation curable nail gel base formulation comprising: a polyurethaneacrylate oligomer comprising from about 40% to 58% by weight,photoinitiator and one or more esters based on methacrylic acid, whereinthe acrylate portion of said polyurethane acrylate oligomer is derivedfrom one or more hydroxyalkylmethacrylic acid esters; at least one ofthe one or more esters based on methacrylic acid is an ester ofmethacrylic acid and an alkylene diol; and the polyurethane acrylateoligomer is other than a BISGMA based urethane resin.
 2. A methodaccording to claim 1, wherein the urethane residue of said polyurethaneacrylate oligomer is based on an alkylene diisocyanate.
 3. A methodaccording to claim 2, wherein the alkylene diisocyanate comprisestrimethylhexylene diisocyanate.
 4. A method according to claim 1,wherein the nail art paint comprises solvent.
 5. A method according toclaim 4, wherein the solvent comprises one or more of esters, ketones,and alcohols.
 6. A method according to claim 1, wherein the nail artpaint comprises a film former.
 7. A method according to claim 6, whereinthe film former comprises nitrocellulose.
 8. A method according to claim6, wherein the film former comprises cellulose acetate, celluloseacetate butyrate, or ethyl cellulose.
 9. A method according to claim 1,wherein the nail art paint comprises a suspending agent.
 10. A methodaccording to claim 9, wherein the suspending agent comprisesstearalkonium hectorite.
 11. A method according to claim 1, wherein theone or more esters based on methacrylic acid comprises hydroxypropylmethacrylate.
 12. A method according to claim 1, wherein the one or moreesters based on methacrylic acid comprises hydroxyethyl methacrylate.13. A method according to claim 11, wherein the one or more esters basedon methacrylic acid further comprises hydroxyethyl methacrylate.
 14. Amethod according to claim 11, wherein the one or more esters based onmethacrylic acid further comprises isobornyl methacrylate.
 15. A methodaccording to claim 12, wherein the one or more esters based onmethacrylic acid further comprises isobornyl methacrylate.
 16. A methodaccording to claim 13, wherein the one or more esters based onmethacrylic acid further comprises isobornyl methacrylate.
 17. A methodaccording to claim 11, wherein the urethane residue of said polyurethaneacrylate oligomer is based on an alkylene diisocyanate.
 18. A methodaccording to claim 13, wherein the urethane residue of said polyurethaneacrylate oligomer is based on an alkylene diisocyanate.
 19. A methodaccording to claim 1, wherein the blending is carried out at atemperature of from about 50 to about 130° F.
 20. A method according toclaim 1, wherein the prepared radiation curable gel nail coatingcomposition contains from about 40 to about 60 weight parts of radiationcurable nail gel base formulation based on the weight of the preparedradiation curable gel nail coating composition.
 21. A method accordingto claim 1, wherein the radiation curable gel nail coating compositionfurther comprises one or more additives selected from the groupconsisting of: polyesters; polyurethane resins, alkyd resins, polyvinylacetate, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylbutyrate; (meth)acrylic and vinylcopolymers, acrylate/vinyl acetate copolymers, acrylonitrile/butadienecopolymers, and ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymers.
 22. A methodaccording to claim 1, wherein the radiation curable gel nail coatingcomposition further comprises silica.
 23. A method according to claim 1,wherein the radiation curable gel nail coating composition furthercomprises a pigment stabilizing agent.
 24. A method according to claim23, wherein the pigment stabilizing agent comprises a polyestercopolymer.
 25. A method according to claim 24, wherein said polyestercopolymer is derived from an alkylene diol, and an alkane diacid, alkanepolyacid, or alkane or aryl acid anhydride.
 26. A method according toclaim 1, wherein the nail art paint further comprises a pigmentstabilizing agent.
 27. A method according to claim 26, wherein thepigment stabilizing agent comprises a polyester copolymer.
 28. A methodaccording to claim 27, wherein said polyester copolymer is derived froman alkylene diol, and an alkane diacid, alkane polyacid, or alkane oraryl acid anhydride.
 29. A method of preparing radiation curable gelnail coating compositions comprising: blending a nail art paint with aradiation curable nail gel base formulation for a time and underconditions effective to prepare the radiation curable gel nail coatingcomposition; said nail art paint comprising one or more of a solvent,film former, plasticizer, cross-linking agent, colorant, suspendingagent, pigment or dye, pH adjuster, and stability enhancer; and saidradiation curable nail gel base formulation consisting essentially of: apolyurethane acrylate oligomer comprising from about 40% to 58% byweight, photoinitiator and one or more esters based on methacrylic acid,wherein the acrylate portion of said polyurethane acrylate oligomer isderived from one or more hydroxyalkylmethacrylic acid esters; andwherein at least one of the one or more esters based on methacrylic acidis an ester of methacrylic acid and an alkylene diol.
 30. A methodaccording to claim 1, wherein the polyurethane acrylate oligomercomprises a monomeric, oligomeric, or polymeric species based ondi-hydroxyethylmethacrylyl trimethylhexyl dicarbamate or combinationthereof.